Game Apparatus And Method Of Play

ABSTRACT

A structure includes a game playing surface formed thereon. The playing surface is divided into a plurality of sections, each section having an opening formed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein relate to the field of game tables usable for pong games, and more particularly to an apparatus usable for a party pong or “beer pong” game and the method of play thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the embodiments described herein, a structure is provided including a game playing surface formed thereon. The playing surface is divided into a plurality of sections, each section having an opening formed therein.

In another aspect of the embodiments described herein, a table is provided having a game playing surface formed thereon. The table includes a plurality of table portions that when abutted together form a planar table top divided into a plurality of game playing sections, each section having an opening formed therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a top or game-playing side of a structure incorporating one embodiment of a planar game playing surface.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 1 in a folded condition,

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an underside of the structure of FIG. 1 in a partially unfolded condition.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an underside of the structure of FIG. 1 in a completely unfolded condition.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a top or game-playing side of the structure of FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a structure having a playing surface formed thereon, showing a receptacle positioned in an opening in accordance with an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 7 shows an arrangement of players for one embodiment of a game playable on playing surface 12.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a structure having a playing surface formed thereon, showing a receptacle positioned in an opening in accordance with an embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While target values for the dimensions of the various game apparatus features (for example, the widths of boundary lines 51, 52, 54 and 56, the locations of openings 50 a-50 d, and other such dimensions) are recited herein, it is understood that these values may vary slightly due to such factors as manufacturing tolerances, and also that such variations are within the contemplated scope of the embodiments described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a structure 10 defining one embodiment of a flat game-playing surface, generally designated 12. In one embodiment, the game playing surface 12 is rectangular, In the particular embodiment shown, the game playing surface 12 is square. In alternative embodiments, the game playing surface may have other overall shapes, for example the shape of as rectangle, a circle or another desired shape. In a particular embodiment, the playing surface is square and has dimensions of 4 feet by 4 feet, including the dimensions of the edge boundary lines or peripheral borders 51, 52, 54 and 56 (described below) located along the playing surface peripheral edges.

The game-playing surface may be painted, printed or otherwise marked onto a first side 10 a of a suitable structure, such as a board or table. The structure or table may be foldable, as described herein, from a fully unfolded configuration used for playing a game thereon expanded (shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5) to a partially folded configuration (shown in FIG. 3), then to as fully folded configuration (shown in FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 2, in the embodiment shown, the structure 10 on which the game-playing surface is marked is formed from a pair of foldable rectangular portions 14 and 16 connected along abutting edges 14 a and 16 a. In one embodiment, portions 14 and 16 are connected to each other using hinges or another suitable mechanism positioned along a seam formed between portions 14 and 16, and along a second side or face lob of the structure 10 opposite the side 10 a on which the game-playing surface 12 is marked. This enables the overall size of the structure to be reduced for ease of storage and/or transportation. In the embodiment shown, the structure 10 is foldable so that the game-playing surface 12 is exposed when the structure is folded. When the hinged or foldably-connected structure 10 is unfolded, it forms a flat, overall game-playing surface 12 marked on first side 10 a as shown in FIG. 1.

In a particular embodiment, portions 14 and 16 are connected by a hinge 38 having a length of about 24 inches.

In a particular embodiment, a width W of the game playing surface measures 4 feet, and a length L of the surface is also 4 feet, with each of foldable portions 14 and 16 measuring 2 feet in length by 4 feet in width.

One or more securement mechanisms (not shown) may be provided for securing the structure in the folded condition just described, to facilitate storage and/or transport of the structure. For example, a rotatable locking means (such as a window latch mechanism) may be attached to portions of the structure such that the latch is actuatable to maintain the structure 10 in a closed or folded condition.

In other embodiments, the portions of the structure forming the game-playing surface 12 may have non-equal sizes and/or different shapes other than rectangular shapes. Also, the portions of the structure 10 on which the game-playing surface 13 is marked may he separate or separable, rather than fixedly connected with hinges or other means. These separate portions of the playing surface may be detachably connectible using any of a variety of methods. For example, a tongue means (not shown) may be attached to a first portion of the structure 10, and a complementary receptacle (not shown) configured to receive the tongue therein may be attached to a second portion of the structure 10. The adjacent portions of the structure are then connected by inserting the tongue means into the receptacle.

When the portions 14 and 16 are unfolded or connected as shown in FIGS. 2-4 to form the overall game playing surface 12, the structure 10 has peripheral edges 22, 24, 26 and 28 forming an outer boundary of the structure and the playing surface. in the embodiment shown, peripheral edges 22, 24, 26 and 28 are straight edges. One or more securement mechanisms (not shown) may also he provided for securing the structure in the expanded or unfolded condition which forms the overall playing surface.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, when exposed and presented in a configuration for game play, the playing surface 12 is divided by internal boundary lines 30, 32, 34 and 36 into four darkened areas or game sections 13, 15, 18 and 20 (or areas having a coloring that otherwise contrasts with the color(s) of boundary lines 30, 32, 34 and 36 and edge borders or boundary lines 51, 52, 54 and 56.

Boundaries of the sections 13, 15, 18 and 20 are marked by internal borders or boundary lines 30, 32, 34 and 36 extending from respective ones of peripheral edges 22, 24, 26 and 28 and intersecting in a center 12 b of the playing surface. Boundaries of the sections 13, 15, 18 and 20 are also marked by edge borders 51, 52, 54 and 56 extending along peripheral edges 22, 24, 26 and 28, respectively. Internal borders 30, 32, 34 and 36 and edge borders 51, 52, 54 and 56 are formed in a color contrasting with color or colors of the remainder of the playing surface 12, so that the borders are clearly distinguished from the remaining portions of the playing surface. In one embodiment, internal borders 30, 32, 34 and 36 and edge borders 51, 52, 54 and 56 have the same widths W. In a particular embodiment, the width BW (FIG. 1) of each of the internal and edge borders is 1 inch. Thus, in an embodiment of the playing surface having overall dimensions of 4 feet by 4 feet and having internal and edge borders with a width of 1 inch, the dimension or surface area of each of the sections 13, 15, 18 and 20 is 22.5 inches by 22.5 inches.

If desired, other markings, lines or other game-related designations (not shown) may be formed on the game surfaces of the sections 13, 15, 18 and 20, to facilitate playing of the game. Also, if desired, a handle or other carrying apparatus (not shown) may be attached to the structure along one or more of peripheral edges 22, 24, 26 and/or 28 to facilitate transport of the structure.

In one embodiment, sections 13, 15, 18 and 20 are rectangular and of equal sizes or surface areas. In a particular embodiment, each of darkened sections 13, 15, 18 and 20 is square measures 22.5 inches by 22.5 inches. In alternative embodiments, the sections 13, 15, 18 and 20 may have other shapes (for example, circular).

Referring to FIG. 1, at least one opening 50 is formed in the top or game surface of each of sections 13, 15, 18 and 20. FIG. 1 shows an opening 50 a formed in section 13, an opening Sob formed in section 15, an opening 50 c formed in section 18, and an opening 50 d formed in section 20. Openings 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50 d are each sized to receive and hold therein a drinking cup or similar receptacle 99 (FIG. 5) structured to catch a ball (for example, a ping gong ball) sized to fit inside the receptacle during game play. Openings 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50 d may alternatively he configured to receive and hold therein a net or other bail-retaining means. In a particular embodiment, the center of each of openings 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50 d is located at a center of a respective one of sections 13, 15, 18 and 20. In a particular embodiment, the center of each of openings 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, and 50 d has a diameter of 4 inches.

In particular embodiments, the openings 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50 d and/or the receptacle 99 are structured so that the receptacle is positionable and retainable in any of the openings 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50 d such all portions of the receptacle reside at or below the level of the actual playing surface when the playing surface is oriented for game play. Thus, in these embodiments, no portion of the receptacle 99 obstructs, rests upon, or resides above the level of the actual playing surface, in one example (shown in FIG. 6), a recess or ledge 199 is formed (for example, in the shape of a counterbore) along a wall 50 w of the opening, for supporting a portion of the receptacle. A rim 99 a of the receptacle (for example, a cup) may then be rested inside the opening on the rim, at a level below the playing surface 12, in another example, a rim of the receptacle is structured to form an interference fit with a wall 50 w of the opening, at a level below the playing surface 12.

In other embodiments (one example of which is shown in FIG. 8), the openings 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50 d and/or the receptacle 99 are structured so that a portion of the receptacle (for example, the rim of a cup) resides above the level of the playing surface 12.

In one embodiment, each of openings 50 is circular. However, other opening shapes may also be used. In a particular embodiment, each of openings 50 has a diameter of 4 inches.

in one embodiment, a center of opening 50 a is located at a distance d1 from peripheral edge 24, and at a distance d2 from peripheral edge 22 intersecting edge 24. In one embodiment, d1 and d2 are equal. In a particular embodiment, d1 and d2 are each equal to 12 inches. Thus, for an embodiment in which the edge border has a width of 1 inch, the opening 50 b is centered at 11 inches from an inner edge of edge border 51 and 11 inches from an inner edge of border 56. In this embodiment, the opening 50 a is centered at a distance of 12 inches from each of adjacent and intersecting peripheral edges 22 and 24.

In one embodiment, a center of opening 50 b is located at a distance d3 from peripheral edge 22, and at a distance d4 from peripheral edge 28 intersecting edge 22. In one embodiment, d3 and d4 are equal. In a particular embodiment, d3 and d4 are each equal to 12 inches. Thus, for an embodiment in which the edge border has a width of 1 inch, the opening 50 b is centered at 11 inches from an inner edge of edge border 51 and 11 inches from an inner edge of edge border 56. In this embodiment, the opening 50 b is centered at a distance of 12 inches from each of adjacent and intersecting peripheral edges 22 and 28.

in one embodiment, a center of opening 50 c is located at a distance d5 from peripheral edge 24, and at a distance d6 from peripheral edge 26 intersecting edge 24. In one embodiment, d5 and d6 are equal. in a particular embodiment, d5 and d6 are each equal to 12 inches. Thus, for an embodiment in which the edge border has a width of 1 inch, the opening 50 b is centered at 11 inches from an inner edge of edge border 51 and 11 inches from an inner edge of edge border 56. In this embodiment, the opening 50 c is centered at a distance of 12 inches from each of adjacent and intersecting peripheral edges 24 and 26.

In one embodiment, a center of opening 50 d is located at a distance d7 from peripheral edge 26, and at a distance d8 from peripheral edge 28 intersecting edge 26. In one embodiment, d7 and d8 are equal. In a particular embodiment, d7 and d8 are each equal to 12 inches. Thus, for an embodiment in which the edge border has a width of 1 inch, the opening 50 b is centered at 11 inches from an inner edge of edge border 51 and 11 inches from an inner edge of edge border 56. In this embodiment, the opening 50 d is centered at a distance of 12 inches from each of adjacent and intersecting peripheral edges 26 and 28.

In particular embodiments, the spacings between the centers of openings 50 a and 50 b, between the centers of openings 50 a and 50 e, between the centers of openings 50 c and 50 d, and between the centers of openings 50 b and 50 d are all 24 inches.

In one embodiment, the structure is configured so that when unfolded and ready for playing the game, it may be placed on top of a table or other surface and used to play the game. Alternatively, the structure may incorporate legs or other suitable support means designed to support the playing surface in a substantially horizontal orientation for game play when the structure is fully unfolded, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

One embodiment of the structure incorporating a suitable support means is shown FIGS. 3-5. In this embodiment, on a side of the structure opposite game playing surface 12, peripheral edges 22, 24, 26 and 28 of the structure 10 form or incorporate therein walls 101 enclosing a portion of the lower or bottom face 10 b of the structure 10, thereby defining a recess 90 configured for receiving supports 80 a-80 d therein, so that the supports and any associated attachment structures (as described below) do not protrude from the recess 90 or extend above or past the ends of the walls 101 when the supports are rotated or folded, as described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the support means includes an attachment frame 85 is secured to bottom face 10 b and/or to one or more of the walls 101 along the peripheral edges 22, 24, 26 and 28, along an underside of each of portions 14 and 16. Each frame 85 has opposed frame first portions 85 a extending generally parallel to a length dimension L of the game-playing surface, and opposed frame second portions 85 b extending generally parallel to a width dimension W of the game-playing surface. Each end of a frame first portion 85 a is joined to an end of a frame second portion 85 b, and each end of a frame second portion 85 b is joined to an end of a frame first portion 85 a. Each frame 85 defines an enclosure 85 c structured for receiving a connected pair of folded supports 80 therein. In the embodiment shown, a total of four supports 80 a-80 d are shown.

Each of supports 80 a-80 d has a base 70 and a leg 72 attached to or extending from each end of the base. Each leg 72 of each of supports 80 a-80 d is hinged or otherwise rotatably attached to an associated one of frame first portions 85 a or 85 b proximate an end of the respective frame first portion. In another embodiment, each support base 70 is coupled the underside of the playing surface, to a corresponding one of frame second portions 85 b, or to a corresponding one of frame first portions 85 a so as to be rotatable with respect to the playing surface. Base 70 of each support connects the legs 72 of the support so that these legs rotate together to extend into an unfolded position, or rotate back into the stowed or folded position shown in FIG. 2. A known retention means (for example, a conventional hinged, locking strut (not shown) or similar mechanism) may couple each of supports 80 a-80 d. to an associated one of frames 85, for retaining the legs 72 in extended positions while the playing surface is in use. Each of the struts resides in a folded, unlocked condition when the supports 85 are folded into recess 90. When the supports have been fully rotated to extend the legs 72, the struts are straightened and locked at their respective hinges to maintain the legs in an extended condition.

To extend the legs 72, the legs are rotated in a known manner from the stowed position shown in FIG. 3 to the extended position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The legs may then be locked in their extended positions, as previously described. In the extended position, the legs 72 support the playing surface in a position for playing the game. In a particular embodiment, legs 72 are dimensioned so as to support the playing surface at a height of 24 inches above a floor or other resting surface. However, the legs may be dimensioned so as to support the playing surface at any desired height.

FIG. 7 shows an arrangement of players for one embodiment of a game playable on playing surface 11. To play this embodiment of the game, a first player P1 stands adjacent the playing surface 12 proximate sections 13 and 15. These sections are referred to as the “Queen” position and the “King” position, respectively. Player 1 is in charge of the “Queen” and “King” positions. A second player P2 stands adjacent the playing surface 12 proximate sections 18 and 20. These sections are referred to as the “Jack” position and the “Ace” position, respectively. Player 2 is in charge of the “Jack” and “Ace” positions.

Player 1 starts the serve for first game (the winner of the previous game starts the serve for any game following). Player 1 must start serving from the “Ace” position to the “Queen” position. The server must drop the ball onto the playing surface and serve it off the bounce. The serve must be underhand. In this version of the game, internal boundary line 30 separating sections 13 and 15 and internal boundary line 34 separating sections 18 and 20 are not used. Hitting the receptacle 99 positioned in opening 50 d on a serve is considered a let, and the server gets another serve. If the ball is hit into the receptacle 99 on the serve, the server loses a point.

Once ball is in play, the ball can be hit to anywhere on the opposite side of the court (i.e., the ball may be hit from either of the “Queen” or “King” sections, to either of the “Ace” and “Jack” sections, and vice versa. The edge boundary lines 51, 52, 54 and 56 and the internal boundary lines 30 and 34 are considered “in-bounds”, and the internal boundary lines 32 and 36 are considered “out of bounds”. Thus, if a player hits the ball and the ball contacts either of internal boundary lines 32 and 36, that player loses his serve.

When Player 1 loses his serve, Player 2 must serve from the “Queen” section to the “Ace” section until player 2 loses his serve. Then, Player 1 serves from the “King” section to the “Jack” section until loss of serve. Then, Player 2 serves from the “Jack” section to the “King” section until loss of serve.

Scoring is “Rally” style meaning that a player serves until a point is lost. To gain a point, it is not necessary to serve. One point is earned by a first player when the second player cannot return the ball. Three points are earned when the ball is hit by a first player into a receptacle on an opposite side of borders 32 and 36 (i.e., into one of the sections of which the second player is in charge) during play. If the ball hits a receptacle 99 cup during play, the player who hit the receptacle earns a point (if the ball is not returned). If a player hits the ball into a receptacle on his own side of boundary lines 32 and 36, the game is over. The game ends by at least one player scoring at least 21 points and leading the other player by at least 2 points, or by one player being the first to score 25 points.

It will be understood that the foregoing descriptions of the various embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. As such, the various structural and operational features herein disclosed are susceptible to a number of modifications, none of which departs from the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising a game playing surface formed thereon, the playing surface being divided into a plurality of sections, each section having an opening formed therein.
 2. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of boundary lines dividing the playing surface into the plurality of sections.
 3. The structure of claim 1 wherein each opening is structured to receive a receptacle therein.
 4. The structure of claim 1 wherein each opening is structured to receive a ping pong ball therein.
 5. The structure of claim 1 wherein each section is in the shape of a square.
 6. The structure of claim 1 wherein the sections of the plurality of sections have equal surface areas.
 7. The structure of claim 1 wherein each opening is positioned in a center of a respective section.
 8. The structure of claim 1 wherein the playing surface is divided into four sections.
 9. The structure of claim 1 wherein the playing surface is rectangular.
 10. The structure of claim 9 wherein the playing surface is in the shape of a square.
 11. The structure of claim 1 wherein a center of each opening is located at a first distance from a first peripheral edge of the playing surface, and at a second distance from a second peripheral edge of the playing surface, wherein the first peripheral edge intersects the second peripheral edge.
 12. The structure of claim 11 wherein a center of each opening is located 12 inches from the first peripheral edge and 12 inches from the second peripheral edge.
 13. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a receptacle positioned in at least one opening.
 14. The structure of claim 13 wherein the receptacle is structured to receive a ping pong ball therein.
 15. The structure of claim 13 wherein the structure is configured to support the receptacle when the receptacle is positioned in the opening, such that the receptacle resides below a level of the playing surface.
 16. The structure of claim 15 wherein a recess is formed along a wall of the opening, the recess being structured to support a portion of the receptacle therealong.
 17. A table having a game playing surface formed thereon, the table comprising a plurality of table portions that when abutted together form a planar table top divided into a plurality of game playing sections, each section having an opening formed therein.
 18. The table of claim 17 further comprising support means connected to at least one table portion of the plurality of table portions for supporting the table top in a substantially horizontal orientation.
 19. The structure of claim 18 wherein the support means comprises an attachment frame secured to each table portion of the plurality of table portions, and at least one support rotatably connected to each attachment frame.
 20. The structure of claim 17 wherein the table portions are structured to be foldable between a fully unfolded configuration of the table and a fully folded configuration of the table. 